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The DSR-400PL is a DVCAM camcorder that adopts three 2/3-inch type Power HAD EX CCDs with a 4:3 aspect ratio, ideal for applications ranging from video journalism and event videography to newsgathering and independent movie-making.

Highlights:

2/3-inch type Power HAD EX CCD

DVCAM/DV selectable recording

Long recording time: up to 276 minutes at DV (SP) mode and up to 184 minutes at DVCAM mode with a standard-size cassette

The DSR-400PL is equipped with proven state-of-the-art three-chip 2/3-inch type Sony Power HAD EX CCDs. This CCD imager achieves a high sensitivity of F11, an excellent signal-to-noise ratio of 63 dB and a remarkably low smear level of -140 dB (typical), allowing the DSR-400PL to produce pictures of stunning quality.

12-Bit A/D Conversion:

The DSR-400PL incorporates a high-integrity 12-bit A/D conversion circuit so that images captured by the Power HAD EX CCDs are processed with great precision. This high-resolution A/D conversion allows the contrast to be reproduced faithfully in both mid-to-dark tone and bright areas of the picture.

Advanced Digital Signal Processing (ADSP):

A key to quality in DSP cameras is how many bits are used in their nonlinear process, such as gamma correction. The ADSP of the DSR-400PL uses more than 30 bits in its nonlinear process, minimizing round-off errors to maintain the high quality of the Power HAD EX CCDs. The ADSP also enables highly sophisticated image controls, such as the multi-matrix function, triple skin tone detail control, and adaptive highlight control.

DVCAM/DV Selectable Recording:

The VTR section of the DSR-400PL uses the Sony DVCAM format, providing the video and audio quality, and reliability necessary for professional use. This camcorder features 8-bit component digital recording, with a 5:1 compression ratio and a sampling rate of 4:2:0. The DSR-400PL can use both mini-size (PDVM Series) and standard-size (PDV Series) cassettes, providing recording time of up to 40 minutes and 184 minutes respectively. If you need a longer recording time, the DSR-400L can also record and playback DV format signals (SP mode only), providing a maximum recording time of 276 minutes when using the PDV-184ME standard-size cassette.

High-Quality Audio Recordings:

Audio can be recorded in either 16- or 12-bit resolution. The recording format provides two channels in 16-bit mode and four channels in12-bit mode. Two channels can be recorded in either 48 kHz/16-bit or 32 kHz/12-bit mode by the camcorder. If recordings are made on two channels in 32 kHz/12-bit mode, then another two channels are available for use with a studio VTR.

Digital Output to External Devices:

The DSR-400PL is equipped with a 6-pin i.LINK interface (DV output only) for digital signal output. This enables recording to compatible DV and DVCAM VTRs using just one i.LINK cable, which simultaneously carries digital video/audio and control signals. Connect the DSR-400PL to the Sony DSR-2000AP Studio VTR, for instance, and simple cut editing can be performed without signal deterioration. Or for backup recording connect to a Sony DSR-50P portable DVCAM recorder, and control its REC On/Off function remotely with the REC On/Off button of the DSR-400PL.

Quick FF/REW Capabilities:

The DSR-400PL can fast-forward and rewind tapes at extremely high speeds. It can fast-forward and rewind the PDVM-40ME mini-size cassette in approximately 40 seconds, and the PDV-184ME standard-size cassette in approximately 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

Rugged and Ergonomic Design:

The design of the DSR-400PL is based on years of Sony experience in camera ergonomics, and provides high mobility, balance, and physical robustness. All switches and indicators, a viewfinder, and a swing-out LCD monitor are in the most logical places and are positioned for optimum functionality and ease of use. Rear-panel connectors are located well away from the battery pack, making it easy to connect cables. Operators will immediately feel at home with the DSR-400PL, which takes user comfort to new levels.

Compact, Lightweight and Low Power Consumption:

The DSR-400PL is designed to be very compact and lightweight, for a high level of mobility in the field. It weighs approximately 6.5 kg (14 lb 5 oz) including the DXF-801 viewfinder, microphone, BP-GL65 battery, mini-size DVCAM cassette and VCL-917BY lens (supplied with the DSR-400PK package). With its new-generation LSI, this camcorder achieves a low power consumption of approximately 17 W (with the DC 12 V power supply, REC mode, viewfinder off and LCD monitor off).

User-friendly Menu Controls:

The DSR-400PL offers an easy-to-use menu system to facilitate detailed camera settings. Setup parameters are well organized in a two-layer menu system: a user menu and a sub menu. The user menu allows access only to the standard setup functions needed by the camera operator, and can be customized for fast access to the menus they use frequently. The sub menu makes all menus accessible, each of which is categorized into groups such as operation, paint, maintenance, file, and diagnosis. Menu pages can be displayed in the camcorder viewfinder and LCD monitor as well as on an external monitor screen via the monitor output, and the menu control system can be operated easily using a rotary switch on the camcorder.

Optical ND Filter and Electric CC Filter:

Using the DSR-400PL, optimum light and color control is easily achieved using an optical ND (Neutral Density) filter wheel and electronic Color Correction. The use of electronic Color Correction allows all filters in the filter wheel to be of the ND type, providing the operator with greater flexibility in depth-of-field and exposure control.

Battery-remaining Display:

With a Sony Professional Info Battery, the remaining capacity is automatically detected and transmitted to the DSR-400PL. The remaining capacity is indicated in the camcorder viewfinder and LCD monitor in 10% steps.

Intelligent Light System:

An optional portable light (maximum 50 W) can be attached to the camcorder, using a standard lighting connector and specially designed short cable for operation from the camcorder battery. The light can be switched on and off manually, or automatically synchronized with the camcorder's REC start function.

Supplied DXF-801 Viewfinder:

The DXF-801 Viewfinder is a 1.5-inch (Viewable area measured diagonally ) type black-and-white viewfinder supplied with the DSR-400PL, and includes features such as VF light (LED) that lights up the iris ring area of the lens for operation in dark conditions (high/low/off), display switch that turns off character superimposition on the viewfinder, tally lamp levels (high/low/off), vertical and horizontal detail level control via peaking potentiometer, two red REC tally lamps, diecast aluminum body and wide range of diopter adjustments

Assignable Function:

Functions frequently used in the field, such as markers, ATW, recording review, record start/stop, and turbo gain functions, can be assigned to four Assign Buttons (push buttons), allowing the operator to make rapid changes when working in the field.

Turbo Gain:

The Turbo Gain function boosts the gain level up to +36 dB at the touch of an Assign Button. This makes it possible to shoot in extremely low-light conditions. The gain level of the Turbo Gain function is selectable.

Camera Adaptor for Wireless Microphone Receiver:

The optional CA-WR855 is an adaptor to hold a Sony WRR-855 Wireless Microphone Receiver. It can be directly attached to the DSR-400PL via a V-shoe attachment, providing a direct connection interface for audio/power. A Lithium Ion Battery Pack can also be attached to the rear panel of the CA-WR855 via a V-shoe attachment, allowing for easy battery replacement even when the WRR-855 is mounted. The DSR-400PL can also accommodate the WRR-861 Wireless Microphone Receiver using the A-8278-057-A Mounting Bracket (service part).

Memory Stick System Stores Camera Setup Parameters:

The DSR-400PL incorporates the Sony Memory Stick system for the storage and recall of setup parameters. This is an easy, effective system for storing and recalling camera parameters for individual scenes, plus individual operators' camera-setup preferences including assignable button settings.

Adjustable Shoulder Pad:

The position of the shoulder pad can be adjusted - either forwards or backwards without using a screwdriver - to provide operators with a comfortable and well-balanced camera.

TruEye Processor:

The Sony TruEye processor is one of the most innovative features of Sony digital signal processing technology. This technology makes it possible to virtually eliminate hue distortion, particularly obvious in high light conditions that result from conventional RGB analog or digital processing. By processing the video signal data at three levels - brightness, hue, and saturation - similar to how the human eye works, the TruEye feature assists in the reproduction of natural skin tones.

Adaptive Highlight Control:

The DSR-400PL provides multiple knee-points/slopes for superb overexposure control. The camcorder analyzes the highlight areas of a scene and automatically sets and optimizes multiple knee points/slopes accordingly. This allows for the reproduction of extremely difficult images (such as an interior scene that includes a brightly sunlit window) with much more overexposure latitude. This function applies only to input video levels in excess of the knee point; the middle- and low-luminance parts of the video signal are unaffected by this control.

Triple Skin Tone Detail Control:

The DSR-400PL comes equipped with a Triple Skin Tone Detail Control function, which allows for independent detail control over three specified colors. This enhances the capability of Skin Tone Detail correction - enabling one color selection to be used for reducing the detail level of skin color, and two other selections to be used for either increasing or decreasing the detail level of two other objects.

Electronic Soft Focus:

The Electronic Soft Focus included in the camcorder applies an effect similar to using an optical soft-focus filter - but in a much more convenient way. Electronic Soft Focus uses the detail signal to reduce, rather than increase, the sharpness of the picture. By subtracting the detail signal from the original signal (as opposed to adding it as in conventional image enhancement), Electronic Soft Focus is able to provide a picture that is "softer" than that achieved when detail is switched off completely. Electronic Soft Focus can be used in conjunction with Skin Tone Detail to change only the sharpness within a specific color or hue range.

2.5-inch Type (Viewable area measured diagonally) Color LCD Monitor:

The DSR-400PL includes a swing-out color LCD monitor with a resolution of 214,000 pixels, which allows for viewing of the input source during recording, or checking the playback picture on location. Status indications such as time code, two-channel audio level meters, and tape- and battery-remaining capacity can also be displayed. In addition, camera set-up menus can be displayed.

Variable Black Gamma Range:

The Variable Black Gamma Range function allows for fine adjustment of tonal reproduction in the shadow area. This feature can help to bring out details from the dark parts of the picture without affecting mid-tones while maintaining the absolute black level. The variable range is LOW, low MID, High MID and HIGH.

Auto Tracing White Balance (ATW):

The DSR-400PL offers an Auto Tracing White Balance function that automatically adjusts the camera's color temperature in real time with a change of the lighting. This is especially useful when a shoot is performed across different environments, such as from indoors to outdoors.

Multi-matrix Function:

The Multi-matrix function enables color adjustments to be applied over a color and/or hue range as specified by the operator. The color spectrum is divided into 16 areas of adjustment, where the hue and/or saturation of each area can be adjusted. This provides interesting in-camera color effects - similar to secondary color correction.

Color Temperature Control:

It is possible to dial in the required color temperature of the camera. The overall color balance of the picture can be changed to make it warmer or colder. This feature can be used very creatively, particularly in scenes with mixed color lighting.

Interval Recording:

Interval recording is a useful function, which intermittently records signals at pre-determined intervals, ideal for recording over long periods.